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All of the Poughkeepsie Journal's coverage of coronavirus is being provided for free to our readers. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal at PoughkeepsieJournal.com/subscribe.

Two Dutchess County Jail officers have tested positive for COVID-19 and 31 in all are quarantined, according to Jail Administrator Col. Michael J. Walters.

However, with "lower inmate population numbers" and the availability of part-time staff members, the jail remains fully staffed, said Colleen Pillus, spokesperson for County Executive Marc Molinaro's Office.

The number of coronavirus cases in Dutchess County increased to 392 as of Monday, as testing has likewise increased. More than 69,400 cases are confirmed across the state.

Some of the jail officers are under mandatory quarantine and others are doing so out of precaution, Walters said in an email.

No inmates have been tested for the potentially deadly virus, Walters told the Journal. Pillus said inmates will be tested if they experience symptoms and meet protocols for testing.

"PrimeCare, the jail's medical provider, does have tests as needed," Pillus said.

On Monday there were 152 inmates in the jail, Walters said. Two are in quarantine "for precaution. They do not have COVID-19 symptoms."

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The Dutchess County Jail in the City of Poughkeepsie on March 30, 2020. (Photo: Patrick Oehler/Poughkeepsie Journal)

On average, around 120 officers work in the jail through the course of a day, Walters said. However, "There are more than 230 authorized officer positions" on the jail's staff, in addition to 25 part-time officers, administrative positions and support staff.

Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is available to jail staff. Officers can also bring in their own equipment and wear it. Walters said officers would be required to wear the jail's equipment if the medical department "felt that an officer needs PPE in certain areas..."

Medical staff at the jail is informing inmates of the importance of social distancing, Walters said. There are five cells available in the medical unit that can be used if needed. Sanitation and cleaning of the jail has been increased, as well.

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Inside the PODS at the Dutchess County Jail in the City of Poughkeepsie on March 20, 2020. The PODS have been made available as a temporary homeless shelter through the cooperation of Dutchess County Government and the Dutchess County Sheriff's Department. (Photo: Patrick Oehler/Poughkeepsie Journal)

The jail's "lower inmate population numbers" are in part a product of bail reform laws that went into effect in New York on Jan. 1.